Port recycled 3,900 lbs of glass this year

DAYTON – The Port of Columbia Commissioners held their regular meeting at 5 p.m. on November 11, 2025, at the port’s conference room. Mike Spring attended in person, and Johnny Watts joined the meeting on Zoom. Chair Seth Bryan did not participate, and Spring led the meeting. Also present were Executive Director Jennie Dickinson and Economic Development Coordinator Shane Laib.

Spring and Watts handled administrative tasks, including reviewing the monthly budget and approving vouchers. Spring was selected to provide the digital signature for QuickBooks, replacing Bryan’s, who leaves the board at the end of the year.

Dickinson said there was nothing to discuss this month concerning leases of port property.

The two commissioners approved Resolution 2025-05, which is required before applying to CERB (Washington State’s Community Economic Revitalization Board) for matching funds for the RV pull-through sites at Lyon’s Ferry Marina.

Dickinson said the negotiations with CWW Railroad were ongoing. She emphasized that both parties agreed to the current lease until a new agreement is reached. She said shipping traffic will not be affected.

At 5:10, a public hearing was called regarding next year’s budget. The new budget projects an ending reserve of $267,000. There was no public comment. After the hearing, both commissioners voted not to increase to the port’s levy, and approved the 2026 Capital Facilities Plan and the 2026 budget.

The commissioners selected WestLand Resources as the cultural resource consultants for the port’s broadband project, and Petrichor was chosen for construction management, technical assistance, and mapping services. Zero dB was selected as the projects design consultant.

Laib said the former public health building on Second and Main will open as a laundromat and quilt shop. He a said the glass recycling project collected 3,900 lbs of donated glass this year.

Dickinson said they were preparing for the annual Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) meeting, scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on December 2, 2025, at the Fair Grounds Pavilion.

The meeting adjourned for an executive session regarding the sale or lease of public property. The regular meeting resumed with no action taken. The next meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. on December 10, 2025 at the port conference room and via Zoom.